Any rumors on a newer iMac?

[JamesMay82]

Agreed. My 2015 5K is still humming along nicely as a media server/wife's desktop. Definitely won't see that combination of a quality screen + decent specs for an AiO under $2K ever again.

Yeah our 2014 model is the same and it only struggles with 4k footage which is a shame but must admit I usually just keep that on my phone and watch from there.

I’d be tempted with a studio display and Mac Studio but my issue is the cost of a monitor which isn’t leaps and bounds ahead of my 10 year old iMac! I find myself comparing the cost of the studio display versus a 4k tv
And it doesn’t have value for money.

 

[Chuckeee]

Yeah our 2014 model is the same and it only struggles with 4k footage

If you’re struggling with 4K video it could be based on how the video is encoded. If you use a video converter software to convert the video H.264 (an older codec), it would increase the file size but the playback will be smoother without losing resolution. The issues are the video’s file size will increase (potentially doubling) and the conversion time is slow ( not a real time process).

 

[Mac47]

I'd love a larger than iMac 32" 6K but I see that occurring after 2033.

1st iMac 27" was launched 2009 & 1st 32" 6K display was 2021. A dozen years separates them.

The Pro Display XDR (32” 6K) was released in 2019, not 2021.

 

[sack_peak]

The Pro Display XDR (32” 6K) was released in 2019, not 2021.

minus 2. ;-)

 

[JamesMay82]

If you’re struggling with 4K video it could be based on how the video is encoded. If you use a video converter software to convert the video H.264 (an older codec), it would increase the file size but the playback will be smoother without losing resolution. The issues are the video’s file size will increase (potentially doubling) and the conversion time is slow ( not a real time process).

I’m not sure but I get the message in Apple photos it can’t play it back but it plays fine on my work m1 air.

I just accepted it with the machine being so old but I’ll have a look into it 👍

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

I've had an M1 iMac for two years now, and it's been absolutely faultless. The best computer I've ever owned. Handles al I want to do with it, with ease (Ps, Lr, Pr etc). I did wonder about the screen size as I'd come from a 28" display on a Mac Mini, but the significantly superior screen quality of the iMac more than makes up for the decrease in size. If I needed a larger display, I'd go for the Studio Display plus a Mac Mini, I think.

As for the speaker quality; it's not as loud as a 27" iMac, but imo has better sound quality. I expected to buy some external speakers for it, not believing that such a thin machine could ever produce good sound, but I was very pleasantly surprised, and didn't have to spend any extra. I have a Home Pod behind me, so I can get really good 'surround' sound.

 

[mogens]

I've had an M1 iMac for two years now, and it's been absolutely faultless. The best computer I've ever owned. Handles al I want to do with it, with ease (Ps, Lr, Pr etc). I did wonder about the screen size as I'd come from a 28" display on a Mac Mini, but the significantly superior screen quality of the iMac more than makes up for the decrease in size. If I needed a larger display, I'd go for the Studio Display plus a Mac Mini, I think.

As for the speaker quality; it's not as loud as a 27" iMac, but imo has better sound quality. I expected to buy some external speakers for it, not believing that such a thin machine could ever produce good sound, but I was very pleasantly surprised, and didn't have to spend any extra. I have a Home Pod behind me, so I can get really good 'surround' sound.

I'm in the same boat (16gb/1TB). I do not intend to buy a new model, unless something revolutionary happens, for example the possibility of being able to play AAA games.

 

[Adelphos33]

I'm in the same boat (16gb/1TB). I do not intend to buy a new model, unless something revolutionary happens, for example the possibility of being able to play AAA games.

I've had an M1 iMac for two years now, and it's been absolutely faultless. The best computer I've ever owned. Handles al I want to do with it, with ease (Ps, Lr, Pr etc). I did wonder about the screen size as I'd come from a 28" display on a Mac Mini, but the significantly superior screen quality of the iMac more than makes up for the decrease in size. If I needed a larger display, I'd go for the Studio Display plus a Mac Mini, I think.

As for the speaker quality; it's not as loud as a 27" iMac, but imo has better sound quality. I expected to buy some external speakers for it, not believing that such a thin machine could ever produce good sound, but I was very pleasantly surprised, and didn't have to spend any extra. I have a Home Pod behind me, so I can get really good 'surround' sound.

I agree with his 100%, with the caveat that I wish I bought more storage (I have about 135GB remaining on my 256GB drive). Looking for an M3 iMac in the current form factor (though I wound't *not* get a 27" if it were available) with at least 1 TB of storage... 24GB of RAM wound't hurt either for future proofing. I was hoping/expecting one this October but it seems like Spring 2024 is more likely at this point...

 

[CarnelianClout]

I am guessing that the new Imac will release with the same prices as the current one - just with the M3 chip, but no other real changes otherwise.

 

[satchmo]

If the current 24” iMac is internally updated with a M3 chip, do you think they make any significant changes externally?

Just new colours? Black bezel?

 

[picpicmac]

If the current 24” iMac is internally updated with a M3 chip, do you think they make any significant changes externally?

Just new colours? Black bezel?

I doubt Apple will just do a chip swap. That said, I doubt that a 24" M3 iMac is seen as an imperative for Apple, which is why I fantasized about moving the iMac back down to 21.5" to lower the price, to keep the iMac as the value proposition for those who want a Mac computer and not just an iOS device like an iPad.

 

[sack_peak]

I doubt Apple will just do a chip swap. That said, I doubt that a 24" M3 iMac is seen as an imperative for Apple, which is why I fantasized about moving the iMac back down to 21.5" to lower the price, to keep the iMac as the value proposition for those who want a Mac computer and not just an iOS device like an iPad.

I see Apple moving the iMac below $1299 if it reverts back to 21.5" 4K & an iPhone chip.

See how cheap the 2022 Apple TV 4K A15 Bionic is?

A theoretical iMac 21.5" 4K with A17 Pro chip would likely consume ~40W and weigh about 3kg.

Performance would be at par with a lowest binned M1.

 

[GeoStructural]

For general office work, the 24” iMac is an excellent machine

I know everyone's workflow is different, but man I am using the 27" Studio Display and sometimes wish it was a 30" screen, I run out of workspace all the time.

 

[Mac47]

I know everyone's workflow is different, but man I am using the 27" Studio Display and sometimes wish it was a 30" screen, I run out of workspace all the time.

This was my experience too. The 5k 27” screen on my iMac filled up fast.

 

[Mac2004]

What exactly was wrong with the 24" iMac? They are very well reviewed devices. I recommend them.

Too old. They haven’t been updated for almost 1,000 days.

 

[sack_peak]

What exactly was wrong with the 24" iMac? They are very well reviewed devices. I recommend them.

Reasons to delay buying that iMac if time allows

- still uses M1 chip when M2 chip is out
- M3 chip is expected to be out within 6 months before April 2024
- you may want a larger than 24" iMac
- price cut for the M1 iMac may possibly happen when a M3 iMac comes out

 

[dandyryan]

The iMac 24" was too much of a steal and Apple knows it which is why there's no need to update it.

4.5k retina screen
Magic keyboard
Magic mouse
M1 chip
Thinner than a MacBook Air
Less than 10lbs
COLORS
$1,299!

As opposed to the overpriced Studio Display ($1,599) + Mac mini ($599) + Magic keyboard ($99) + Magic mouse ($99) = $2,400

 

[sack_peak]

The iMac 24" was too much of a steal and Apple knows it which is why there's no need to update it.

4.5k retina screen
Magic keyboard
Magic mouse
M1 chip
Thinner than a MacBook Air
Less than 10lbs
COLORS
$1,299!

As opposed to the overpriced Studio Display ($1,599) + Mac mini ($599) + Magic keyboard ($99) + Magic mouse ($99) = $2,400

iMac 24" 4.5K replaces the iMac 21.5" 4K at the same price points.

Smaller iMac	2019 Intel	2021 M1
Chip die shrink	14nm	5nm
Dimensions	45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm	46.1 cm, 54.7 cm, 14.7 cm
Avg Weight	5.66 kg	4.46 kg
Display	21.5" 4K	24" 4.5K
RAM type & speed	2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4	LPDDR4X-4266MHz
Power Consumption	166W	80-84W

Rumor points a larger than iMac 27" appearing in late 2024, 12 months from now.

 

[JamesMay82]

The iMac 24" was too much of a steal and Apple knows it which is why there's no need to update it.

4.5k retina screen
Magic keyboard
Magic mouse
M1 chip
Thinner than a MacBook Air
Less than 10lbs
COLORS
$1,299!

As opposed to the overpriced Studio Display ($1,599) + Mac mini ($599) + Magic keyboard ($99) + Magic mouse ($99) = $2,400

Very true! I keep playing with these configurations and the iMac comes out on top in all scenarios. I’m still going to hold out for 27 inch, although if they update with m2 or m3 and not a 27 then I would go back to 24.

 

[sack_peak]

Very true! I keep playing with these configurations and the iMac comes out on top in all scenarios. I’m still going to hold out for 27 inch, although if they update with m2 or m3 and not a 27 then I would go back to 24.

This is unfortunate that Apple did this but across the board the cost of increase RAM & SSD is just criminally expensive.

I would not mind if Apple charged 2x current NewEgg rates but anything more is just too much.

My dream iMac would be

- 30" 5.5K or 32" 6K
- 64GB RAM
- 4TB SSD
- M3 or M3 Pro
- Thunderbolt 5
- USB-A 10Gbps
- Ethernet
- 3.5mm jack

I can live with that unchangeable configuration until 2034. But Apple dislikes customers who replace a decade later.

 

[Chuckeee]

Very true! I keep playing with these configurations and the iMac comes out on top in all scenarios. I’m still going to hold out for 27 inch, although if they update with m2 or m3 and not a 27 then I would go back to 24.

Just based on the rumors mill:
I think it’s much more likely you’ll see a 24” M3 many months before we see a 27+”.

My ramblings:
I think a 27” is just to close in size to the 24”. The 24” was a compromise between the 21.5” and 27” and a new 27” would not be distinctive. Any new large screen iMac will be at least 30”. And this will add to increased cost and delayed release date

 

[sack_peak]

Just based on the rumors mill:
I think it’s much more likely you’ll see a 24” M3 many months before we see a 27+”.

My ramblings:
I think a 27” is just to close in size to the 24”. The 24” was a compromise between the 21.5” and 27” and a new 27” would not be distinctive. Any new large screen iMac will be at least 30”. And this will add to increased cost and delayed release date

24" was a "large" iMac starting with the late 2006 model at a starting price of $1999.
27" was a "large" iMac starting with the Late 2009 model at a starting price of $1699.

15 years later 24" is "small" starting at $1299.

By the time the 30" 5.5K or 32" 6K iMac comes 15 years after the 1st 27" it will likely start at $1799 for the lowest binned M3 non-Pro like the last large iMac base model.

Apple likely delayed the larger iMac from the 2021 iMac due to parts cost or not attaining technical targets.

Android had AMOLED displays starting 2010. Next 7 years Android makers mocked the IPS displays of the iPhone in spite of AMOLEDs technical challenges of AMOLED burn-in and color inaccuracies. The 2017 iPhone X has yet to be reported to suffer from those shortcommings for the past 6+ years. My 2015 Google Nexus 6P suffered from it within 12 months. It was cheaper than the 2015 iPhone 6s Plus I had at the time but the current user of my old phone just had to replace the 6+ year old battery.

 

[Chuckeee]

24" was a "large" iMac starting with the late 2006 model at a starting price of $1999.
27" was a "large" iMac starting with the Late 2009 model at a starting price of $1699.

Let’s not forget:
20” was a "large" iMac starting with the late 2003 model at a starting price of $2199.

 

[sack_peak]

Let’s not forget:
20” was a "large" iMac starting with the late 2003 model at a starting price of $2199.

This is why whenever anyone brings up the $4999 XDR 32" 6K or the $1599 Studio Display 27" 5K I know that future parts price will allow for a 30" 5.5K or 32" 6K iMac M3 starting at $1799.

Apple will never abandon the iMac 27" price range of $1799 to $3199 for the iMac Pro's $4999-7399 that likely sold as poorly as Mac Pro.

 

[Mac2004]

What exactly was wrong with the 24" iMac? They are very well reviewed devices. I recommend them.

They are almost 1,000 days old!!